German Car Zone

Times are changing but I3 engines are still dorky.

I not just reduce the cc, but not the cylinders, something like
1.35 I4
1.8 I6
3.0 V8
4.0 V12

Neither would I !!!! And I read what ENI said....I do understand, though motor manufacturers would have to wait for a new generation of buyers (they are the pre-schoolers of today) to be really interested in these small engines. I love progress, like BMW Efficient Dynamics....But a 3 cyl? NOPE! NEVER! EVER!

Tuners and rebuilders who knows their stuff could make huge money by creating 'hotrods' or 'special' vehicles from older BMW's etc.

The first prototypes of the MegaCity Vehicle 1 otherwise known as the MIN-i will feature petrol engines developed from the motorrad division specific for this car.
Economical , efficient and with one possible "S" Version an extra kick.
The use of such engines are to justify the MINI-i 's intentions as an innovative mobility concept.

I think there's nothing dorky about a 3 cylinder with 180 freaking horsepowers.

Unfortunately it's not your (or any other customer's) call. It's just a reaction / adaptation to legislation, regulation etc. BMW Group won't be the only one to do that. ALL car maker will have to do it.

In the near future "civil" cars will all be somehow hybrids - either full or mild, and the combustion engines will be much smaller, much cleaner & much more efficient (also due to turbocharging etc).

Regarding small engines - you'll still be able to buy more expensive 6-cyl hybrid model instead. Or V8 hybrid. etc

I guess there will still be some "dirty" models as well - but will be priced very high since the carmakers will incorporate eco fines in the price.




The question is would such cars still get approval by the authorities - and be able to be registered properly (get license plates).

If people managed to register a Ferrari FFX, I don't think a slightly modified BMW with standard engines will be a problem.

Just look at the industry in Germany today.

It's not a problem with I3s, you just drive it, if it feels good and sounds good (more like feels like a bmw and sounds like a bmw) then it's all good, nothing else really matters given it's lighter, smaller and more efficient. but at this stage i can't quite imagine how a I3 will sound/feel like a proper bmw.. i hope driving a 1series have sounds and "feels" of driving one of the jap small cars like Jazz/Fitz/Mazda2 and the like.. Hope they won't drop the I6 though, it's nothing less than a tradition!

Fair point. If it is not possible to tell that it is one of those I3 engines with no characther it might be easier to live with the shame. A car in 1-series size should also lose some 150-200 kgs.

and in the other thread they said 120i is getting turbocharged 4-cylinder with 218hp. I much prefer it over a 3-cylinders.